scholarly journals The patient perspective on a first raised PSA test

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
Charis Brown ◽  
Fraser Hodgson ◽  
Zuzana Obertova ◽  
Michael Holmes ◽  
Ross Lawrenson
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Digital Rectal Examination ◽  
Patient Experiences ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
General Practices

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 350 000 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are undertaken in New Zealand on a quarter of a million men each year. A number of studies have looked at PSA testing done by general practitioners (GPs) and subsequent outcomes. Few have looked at the patient perspective after a raised PSA result. AIM: To explore patient experiences up to and following a raised PSA test. METHODS: Thirty-one general practices within the Midland region were recruited. Community laboratory databases were used to identify all men with a first raised PSA test during 2010. Questionnaires were sent to these men. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four (63%) eligible responses were received from 307 eligible men delivered questionnaires. For 54% of men this was their first PSA test. Most men (66%) identified that their PSA test was initiated by their GP. Forty-three percent of men identified having symptoms at the time of their first raised PSA test. A digital rectal examination (DRE) was performed on 73% of men at the time of the test. Fifty-eight percent of men were referred to see a specialist. Maori men were less likely to be referred after a raised PSA. Of all men referred, 61% received a biopsy. DISCUSSION: PSA testing is predominantly initiated by GPs. We found the care pathway is variable for men after an elevated PSA result. Standardisation of the pathway prior to and post diagnosis would assist patients in knowing what to expect and would aid in GP management of men being investigated for prostate cancer. KEYWORDS: Patient care; prostate-specific antigen; screening, opportunistic

scholarly journals PSA testing in general practice

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fraser Hodgson ◽  
Zuzana Obertová ◽  
Charis Brown ◽  
Ross Lawrenson
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Psa Screening ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Keywords Prostate ◽  
General Practices

INTRODUCTION: In New Zealand, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing has increased significantly (275 000 tests/year). Controversy exists around PSA testing as part of an unorganised screening programme. AIM: To look at the use of PSA testing in a sample of general practices and investigate the reasons GPs undertake PSA testing. METHODS: Five Waikato general practices investigated looking at PSA laboratory tests of men =40 years in 2010 compared against GP notes. Testing rates, reasons for testing, histology and referral/s were examined for different age groups. A questionnaire was sent to the GPs to determine their views on PSA testing. RESULTS: One in four men aged 40+ years had a PSA test in 2010. Of these men, 71% were asymptomatic. More than half of men tested aged 70+ years were asymptomatic. Ten percent of all PSA tests were elevated. Twenty-one of 23 prostate cancers were diagnosed following an elevated PSA test: more than 80% of these men had histories of prostate pathology or lower urinary tract symptoms. The questionnaire confirmed that GPs believe in the benefits of PSA screening and it also showed they had difficulty in providing patients with information about pros and cons of PSA testing. DISCUSSION: All GPs in this study tested asymptomatic men. GPs in this study value PSA screening and believe that it reduces mortality rates. However, although PSA tests were most frequently done on asymptomatic patients, the majority of patients subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer had been tested because of symptoms or had previous prostate problems. KEYWORDS: Prostate specific antigen (PSA); PSA testing; screening; prostate cancer; general practitioners

scholarly journals Assessing Preference Shift and Effects on Patient Knowledge and Decisional Conflict: Cross-Sectional Study of an Interactive Prostate-Specific Antigen Test Patient Decision Aid (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Scalia ◽  
Glyn Elwyn ◽  
Jan Kremer ◽  
Marjan Faber ◽  
Marie-Anne Durand
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Decision Aid ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Decisional Conflict ◽  
Patient Decision Aid ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
Patient Decision ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND Randomized trials of Web-based decision aids for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing indicate that these interventions improve knowledge and reduce decisional conflict. However, we do not know about these tools’ impact on people who spontaneously use a PSA testing patient decision aid on the internet. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the impact of the Web-based PSA Option Grid patient decision aid on preference shift, knowledge, and decisional conflict; (2) identify which frequently asked questions (FAQs) are associated with preference shift; and (3) explore the possible relationships between these outcomes. METHODS Data were collected between January 1, 2016, and December 30, 2017. Users who accessed the Web-based, interactive PSA Option Grid were provided with 3 options: have a PSA test, no PSA test, or unsure. Users first declared their initial preference and then completed 5 knowledge questions and a 4-item (yes or no) validated decisional conflict scale (Sure of myself, Understand information, Risk-benefit ratio, Encouragement; SURE). Next, users were presented with 10 FAQs and asked to identify their preference for each question based on the information provided. At the end, users declared their final preference and completed the same knowledge and decisional conflict questions. Paired sample t tests were employed to compare before and after knowledge and decisional conflict scores. A multinomial regression analysis was performed to determine which FAQs were associated with a shift in screening preference. RESULTS Of all the people who accessed the PSA Option Grid, 39.8% (186/467) completed the interactive journey and associated surveys. After excluding 22 female users, we analyzed 164 responses. At completion, users shifted their preference to “not having the PSA test” (43/164, 26.2%, vs 117/164, 71.3%; P<.001), had higher levels of knowledge (112/164, 68.3%, vs 146/164, 89.0%; P<.001), and lower decisional conflict (94/164, 57.3%, vs 18/164, 11.0%; P<.001). There were 3 FAQs associated with preference shift: “What does the test involve?” “If my PSA level is high, what are the chances that I have prostate cancer?” and “What are the risks?” We did not find any relationship between knowledge, decisional conflict, and preference shift. CONCLUSIONS Unprompted use of the interactive PSA Option Grid leads to preference shift, increased knowledge, and reduced decisional conflict, which confirms the ability of these tools to influence decision making, even when used outside clinical encounters.

scholarly journals The Prostate Gland and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Serfa Faja ◽  
Amir Shoshi
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Quantitative Measurement ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasound ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
Very High

The PSA test is used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate, a small gland that sits below a man's bladder. PSA is mostly found in semen, which also is produced in the prostate. Small amounts of PSA ordinarily circulate in the blood. The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, many other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, can also increase PSA levels. We use ImmunoAssay for Quantitative Measurement of PSA in Human Blood / Serum / Plasma with i-CHROMA TM Reader System with high sensitivity and specifity. We have analysed 120 patients and only 2 of them had very high value of PSA so we can determine for a prostate cancer. Additional factors increase the accuracy of PSA testing and it is not sufficient only the PSA to determine a prostate cancer so we need a rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound.

scholarly journals Perception of Abnormal Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Results amongst Family Practitioners

2008 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 398-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Rochester ◽  
PJ Donaldson ◽  
J McLoughlin
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Serum Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
Family Practitioners ◽  
Younger Men ◽  
Psa Velocity

INTRODUCTION With increased use of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage in younger men, when radical curative treatments are appropriate. Modifications of the PSA test such as PSA velocity and age-adjusted values are available to aid in the selection of patients for biopsy. However, it is not clear whether these data are used in general practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all primary care practices within one region in the UK. A series of visual analogue questions designed to identify referral thresholds for age-adjusted PSA levels and PSA velocity were used to identify patterns in referral behaviour. RESULTS Individual family practitioners see only small numbers of patients requesting PSA tests or with newly diagnosed prostate cancer each year. The median (range) thresholds considered for referral at ages 45, 55, 65, 75 and 85 years were 4.5 ng/ml (2.5–15.5 ng/ml), 5.5 ng/ml (3.0–15.5 ng/ml), 6.5 ng/ml (3.5–15.5 ng/ml), 6.5 ng/ml (3.5–25.5 ng/ml), and 7.5 ng/ml (3.5–25.5 ng/ml), respectively. Only 5% of practitioners correctly identified the age-specific PSA threshold for referral of a 45-year-old man. CONCLUSIONS It is important to remember that younger men (even those in their forties and fifties) may be at risk of prostate cancer even if asymptomatic. It is important in a climate of increasing demand for PSA testing that those who initiate the process understand the implications and limitations of testing, including appropriate triggers for referral to secondary care. The exact approach required for the successful dissemination of this information to primary care is not clear, but our data suggest that a better understanding is required.

scholarly journals The Prostate Gland and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Serfa Faja ◽  
Amir Shoshi
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Quantitative Measurement ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasound ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
Very High

The PSA test is used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate, a small gland that sits below a man's bladder. PSA is mostly found in semen, which also is produced in the prostate. Small amounts of PSA ordinarily circulate in the blood. The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, many other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, can also increase PSA levels. We use ImmunoAssay for Quantitative Measurement of PSA in Human Blood / Serum / Plasma with i-CHROMA TM Reader System with high sensitivity and specifity. We have analysed 120 patients and only 2 of them had very high value of PSA so we can determine for a prostate cancer. Additional factors increase the accuracy of PSA testing and it is not sufficient only the PSA to determine a prostate cancer so we need a rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound.

scholarly journals Attitudes Toward and Use of Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing Among Urologists and General Practitioners in Germany: A Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanny Kappen ◽  
Verena Jürgens ◽  
Michael H. Freitag ◽  
Alexander Winter
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Lower Saxony ◽  
Psa Test ◽  
Psa Testing ◽  
Mailing Lists ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Specialist Groups

BackgroundIn 2020, around 1.4 million new prostate cancer (PCa) cases were recorded worldwide. Early detection of PCa by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening remains debated, leading to different specialist-specific recommendations in PCa guidelines. This study aimed to assess attitudes toward and use of PSA testing among urologists in Germany and general practitioners (GPs) in Lower Saxony (Germany).MethodsA nationwide questionnaire was sent to urologists via the mailing lists of the Professional Association of German Urologists and the German Urological Society. A version of the questionnaire for GPs was sent to email addresses via the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Lower Saxony. The online questionnaires covered use of PSA testing, information communication, handling of test results, and handling of/knowledge about national and international guidelines and recommendations on early detection of PCa. Statistical analysis was performed at a descriptive level.ResultsIn total, 432 of 6,568 urologists (6.6%) and 96 of 1,579 GPs (6.1%) participated in this survey. Urologists and GPs differed in their attitudes and approaches toward PSA testing. Most urologists (86.8%, n=375) judged the test as “very meaningful” or “meaningful”, compared with 52.1% (n=50) of GPs. Almost two-thirds of the urologists (64.4%, n=278) viewed the PCa mortality reduction by PSA testing as proven, compared with one-fifth of GPs (20.8%, n=20). Almost 80% of male urologists (79.9%, n=291) indicated that they would undergo a PSA test in the future (again), compared with 55.1% of male GPs (n=38). In addition, 56.3% (n=243) of urologists stated that “considerably more than half” or “almost all” men aged 45 years or older received a PSA test, compared with 19.8% (n=19) of GPs.ConclusionsUrologists are more convinced about the PSA test than GPs. PSA testing is therefore used more often in urological settings, although the preselected patient population must be considered. In accordance with specialist-specific recommendations, GPs show a more reserved approach toward PSA testing. Instead of focusing on different attitudes and recommendations on PSA testing, the exchange between specialist groups should be improved to achieve a consistent approach to PSA testing.

scholarly journals Clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer using digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen tests: a systematic review and meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson C. Okpua ◽  
Simon I. Okekpa ◽  
Stanley Njaka ◽  
Augusta N. Emeh
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Digital Rectal Examination ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Rectal Examination ◽  
Prostate Specific Antigen Test ◽  
Prostate Cancers ◽  
Antigen Tests

Abstract Background Being diagnosed with cancer, irrespective of type initiates a serious psychological concern. The increasing rate of detection of indolent prostate cancers is a source of worry to public health. Digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen tests are the commonly used prostate cancer screening tests. Understanding the diagnostic accuracies of these tests may provide clearer pictures of their characteristics and values in prostate cancer diagnosis. This review compared the sensitivities and specificities of digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen test in detection of clinically important prostate cancers using studies from wider population. Main body We conducted literature search in PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Wiley Online, CINAHL, Scopus, AJOL and Google Scholar, using key words and Boolean operators. Studies comparing the sensitivity and specificity of digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen tests in men 40 years and above, using biopsy as reference standard were retrieved. Data were extracted and analysed using Review manager (RevMan 5.3) statistical software. The overall quality of the studies was good, and heterogeneity was observed across the studies. The result comparatively shows that prostate-specific antigen test has higher sensitivity (P < 0.00001, RR 0.74, CI 0.67–0.83) and specificity (P < 0.00001, RR 1.81, CI 1.54–2.12) in the detection of prostate cancers than digital rectal examination. Conclusion Prostate-specific antigen test has higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting prostate cancers from men of multiple ethnic origins. However, combination of prostate-specific antigen test and standardized digital rectal examination procedure, along with patients history, may improve the accuracy and minimize over-diagnoses of indolent prostate cancers.

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